Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has promised to help comedian Sammy Kioko resolve a KSh 19 million payment dispute with the Machakos County Government. Sonko’s intervention comes after Kioko made an emotional appeal during a live interview on Oga Obinna’s show, where he broke down while discussing the financial strain caused by the delayed funds.
Sonko Offers a Path to Resolution
During the broadcast, Sonko reached out via phone call, encouraging Kioko to accompany him to the county office to discuss the matter directly with the governor. “Mtume kwangu because governor tunapeana heshima. Akuje kesho twende kwa governor tukae chini tuone vile anaeza saidika. Maybe county iko broke you never know tuone hata kama watamlipa polepole,” he said. The former governor’s involvement provides a potential avenue to settle the long-standing dispute.
Financial Strain and Public Support
Kioko revealed that the delayed payment had left him unable to sustain his business projects and support his ailing sister, who requires urgent medical attention. Following his emotional appeal, Oga Obinna set up a donation till number, and fans contributed over KSh 221,000 by the end of the show to assist with medical expenses. The incident highlighted the solidarity of the entertainment community in times of need.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict began when Kioko camped outside the Machakos Governor’s office, demanding payment for a county project he claimed to have completed months earlier. He publicly stated, “There’s need to be paid. Anyone from Machakos County kindly help. Things are not okay. I have suffered enough.”
The Machakos County Government, through Joseph Mathuki, head of procurement, clarified that the tender for supplying county uniforms was awarded to a registered business entity that did not list Kioko as a director. Payment delays, Mathuki explained, were due to incomplete deliveries during the initial phase of the contract, with remaining deliveries completed in the 2023/2024 financial year. He emphasized that Kioko had “no legal authority” to speak on behalf of the company.
Next Steps
With Sonko’s involvement, there is hope that Kioko and the Machakos County Government can engage in dialogue to resolve the payment dispute amicably. The comedian and his family are looking forward to relief and closure following months of financial and emotional stress.
